PFF Care Center Network

Working together to improve patient outcomes.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is dedicated to promoting earlier recognition and diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality healthcare. As part of that commitment, over the past three years the PFF has worked with the PF medical community to establish the PFF Care Center Network, where people with PF can find experienced medical professionals who understand their disease and support services to improve the quality of their lives.

what is a pff care center network site?

The PFF Care Center Network (CCN) is a growing group of medical centers with expertise in accurately diagnosing and treating people living with PF. Disease management can be complex. The CCN is comprised of centers that have the necessary resources and specialized staff to fully manage the disease. PF Care Centers embrace a multidisciplinary approach to provide the most comprehensive patient care. Experts in pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, radiology, pathology, and nursing specializing in interstitial lung disease comprise the care team at each PF Care Center.

WHY IS THE PFF CARE CENTER NETWORK IMPORTANT TO THE PF COMMUNITY?

Because of the CCN’s multidisciplinary approach, patients benefit from a more accurate diagnosis, recommendations for continuing care, assistance in locating essential social services, and the opportunity to participate in collaborative research. Each patient is considered and treated individually. PF Care Centers work with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to actively engage their local PF communities to provide a range of educational and research activities. The sites are involved with other PFF Signature Programs and have established and maintain PF support groups to allow the local PF community to connect with and learn from others impacted by the disease.

HOW DOES THE PFF CARE CENTER NETWORK AND THE PFF PATIENT REGISTRY WORK TOGETHER?

In addition to providing outstanding medical care, the Care Center Network forms an infrastructure that facilitates the conduct of high-quality clinical and translational research that is helping us better understand PF, an important step toward a cure. The PFF Patient Registry is a clinical research registry conducted at PFF Care Centers that works toward these goals. At the moment, you must be a patient at a PFF Care Center in order to participate in the Registry.

where can i find a PFF care center Network site?

If there is not a CCN site near you, please contact the PFF Patient Communication Center at 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or pcc@pulmonaryfibrosis.org to identify regional pulmonary fibrosis centers in your area and to receive current disease education information.

how is the pff care center network funded?

The PFF Care Center Network is funded through the generous support of corporations, foundations, and individuals who have been impacted by PF who realize that the creation of a comprehensive health care network is fundamentally important to improving the lives of individuals with PF. If you would like to contribute to this important program, please donate now.

become a pff care center network site

The PFF Care Center Network Selection Committee will consider applications for inclusion in the Network for those facilities that meet the established guidelines for patient care, teaching, and research, and fulfill geographic and consumer need. The application process to become a PFF Care Center Network site is now closed. At this time, we are not certain when the next cycle will be available. We are seeking additional funding to expand the network and will be opening a new round once that funding is secured.

Until then, we are working to develop partnership opportunities to allow more institutions to participate in network activities. The PFF does have many educational materials and programs that are available to everyone. You can learn about our available materials on our Educational Resources page. Our programs are presented on our Signature Programs page.

If you have any questions about establishing a support group, please contact Kate Gates, Manager of Volunteer Programs, at kgates@pulmonaryfibrosis.org.